Paris Airport "Fun"

Well, we've now been in the Paris airport more than 10 hours. Sleeping, a lot of Uno and some Go Fish games have filled the time. This was not the plan. While boarding our 1:45 flight we were stopped because we didn't have a visa for Leila. They weren't familiar with the "in lieu of a visa" letter, so they called the U.S. Immigration officer on staff. After about 20 minutes of back and forth I was told we couldn't board. I could not control my hysterics, and I had zero concern for what everyone might be thinking about this wild, sleep-deprived woman crying her eyes out crouched on the ground. What I did care about by the time I had some brains was what Leila was thinking/feeling. Geesh. If she had any thoughts that her momma was put together and normal, those thoughts quickly dissipated. I guess it's better it happen sooner rather than later as I am not put together nor normal but many days hanging on to the grace of God by a thread. 

The officer said he was dealing with a security issue and would head my way to talk with me as soon as he could. I called my amazing husband who calmed me down and said he'd call Jane, the U.S. Consulate in Niger. The officer came. He was very nice and immediately resolved it. Jane had done her job but Washington hadn't done theirs, which was communicate our travel to the officer. This is what he told me. I don't know how exactly he defines "Washington." 

So, they quickly got us seats on the next flight. Thank you, Lord, there were seats! Getting through the checkpoints for this flight was a breeze because the officers were aware of our situation and recent authorization. Final stop - Washington Customs. I was able to get seats closer to the front so we can book it and get toward the front of the line. Thank you for continuing to pray as we prepare to cross the finish line!